A View from the Tractor Cab

Thank you to the FFA teachers of the past and the present

Somerset — Even though this article is being read in the middle of the holiday frenzy, it was written while I was attending the PFB Annual Meeting in Hershey in November.

The annual meeting is when farmers gather to vote on policies which started at the grassroots — back on the farms. I love attending the annual meeting; from the discussions on the delegate floor, to the great agricultural speakers, to meeting the new state FFA officer team, to networking with farmers from across the commonwealth. Along with all that there is the incredible food. November seems to be the month of eating for us. Besides Hershey and Thanksgiving there was also our farmers' market banquet, the extension banquet and the chamber dinner (I am hoping for a gym membership for Christmas).

Speaking of Thanksgiving there are many things we all should be thankful for. During the holiday season it is important to reflect on the many blessings we have received. As I mentioned we were at the chamber dinner back on Nov. 7. I was overjoyed to see Doyle Paul honored with the agricultural award. I went to Somerset High School so Doyle was never my teacher, but I have known Doyle (Mr. Paul) all my life.

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I was never in FFA either — girls were just entering the program as I graduated. However, both of my older brothers and my husband were very active in FFA.

In agriculture we need to say thank you to the FFA teachers of the past and the present who helped to mold farm leaders of the past, present and future — not only farm leaders, but leaders in business, the community and in our different levels of government. FFA not only teaches their members about agriculture, but how to act in the business world. One of the gifts FFA teaches is parliamentary procedure, which many do not know these days.

So, if you see any of our county's agricultural and FFA teachers (Doreen Jamison, Dan Miller, Rob Harrold, Dan Overdorf, Tim Vought and Leanna Weimer) please stop and tell them thank you. Also, a huge thank you to the FFA teachers I have known from the past; my brothers' teacher — Quinten Hine, my husband's teacher, Howard Nicklow and our good friend, Doyle Paul.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a joyful and blessed Christmas season. May you take time to enjoy your family and your farm, and may you thank God for the gift he has given to us in his Son.